Innovations in Glaucoma Treatment Highlighted at ASCRS 2025
Los Angeles, CA – At the 2025 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) annual meeting, Dr. Deb Ristvedt led a pivotal session titled "Medications, Lasers, and Lifestyle," discussing transformative advancements in glaucoma treatment. Held from April 25 to 28, the session showcased the rapid evolution of treatment paradigms in this critical area of eye care.
Dr. Ristvedt emphasized a shift towards earlier intervention, stating, "We’re going less drops. We’re going earlier in the angle," reflecting an emerging focus on long-term control to combat visual field loss. A key highlight was advancements in drug delivery methods. Dr. Doug Rhee presented compelling data on how sustained medication effects in the trabecular meshwork can enhance intraocular pressure (IOP) stability, stating, “We have medications that now have more concentration in the eye and provide more stability of IOP 24 hours a day.”
The discussion turned to laser therapy, noting the influential LiGHT trial which established selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) as a first-line treatment. Special attention was given to direct SLT, a next-generation technique that delivers energy translimbally in just 2.6 seconds. “This approach targets the trabecular meshwork while eliminating the need for a gonio lens," Ristvedt explained, highlighting improvements in patient comfort and surgical ergonomics.
Additionally, the session underscored the importance of lifestyle considerations for both patients and practitioners. Ristvedt remarked, “Our lifestyle is so important when we think about how we’re affecting quality of life,” advocating for a holistic and patient-centric approach to glaucoma care.
As the field continues to evolve, the session importantly called for sustainable practices, ensuring that advancements in glaucoma management align with improving patients’ overall quality of life.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
